The Jiuzhaigou Valley Nature Reserve is located in Jiuzhaigou District at the northern border of Sichuan Province. This national park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is particularly renowned for the breathtaking beauty of its lakes and waterfalls.

The emerald and turquoise waters of the lakes blend seamlessly into an enchanting natural landscape that will leave you speechless during your stay in Jiuzhaigou.

History

Jiuzhaigou is a remote region inhabited by Tibetans and Qiang people for centuries.

The name Jiuzhaigou literally means Valley of Nine Villages, named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley.

Until 1979, the region was primarily used for timber exploitation. In 1982, the Chinese government banned all logging and designated the area as a national park.

In 1894, the park was opened to the public, although the infrastructure necessary to accommodate tourists wasn't completed until 1987.

The area's natural beauty inspired many film productions, notably Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, released in 2000.

The nature reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and in 1997, UNESCO granted it the status of Biosphere Reserve.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

The Jiuzhaigou Valley is located slightly more than 300 kilometers from Chengdu and spans an area of 72,000 hectares in northern Sichuan. Highly mountainous, the park reaches its highest point at 4,800 meters altitude, while other peaks range between 2,000 and 3,200 meters.

Nearly 120 lakes are scattered throughout the mountains, with waterfalls, caves, terraces, forests, and meadows comprising the reserve. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of these mineral-rich lakes owe their color to the region's limestone soil.

The diversity of landscapes supports a rich and varied forest ecosystem. The valley is home to approximately 140 bird species as well as other endangered animals like the giant panda and the Sichuan takin. The flora is equally impressive, featuring rare plant species.

The Legend of Jiuzhaigou

An old legend tells of the goddess Wunosemo who received a mirror as a gift from her beloved, the warrior god Dage.

Jealous of their love, a demon caused the mirror to fall and shatter into 118 pieces. It's said that each of the sparkling lakes in Jiuzhaigou Valley was formed from these fragments of the broken mirror.

Exploring Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve

The magic of Jiuzhaigou attracts millions of visitors each year, with 90% being Chinese tourists.

Despite the tourism enthusiasm, the site remains a national treasure not to be missed. The park is truly a natural wonder that brings together everything nature has to offer. From cascading waterfalls to alpine lakes of extraordinary colors, colorful meadows, pine forests, and snow-capped peaks, interspersed with charming Tibetan villages, the reserve's authenticity is undeniable.

Jiuzhaigou is incredibly picturesque, especially in autumn, when mountains, valleys, and lakes are wrapped in warm fall colors. Warm days, cool nights, and expansive vistas of saturated yellows, reds, and greens blended with the emerald waters of the lakes create an undeniably unique spectacle that will remain etched in your memory.

The reserve today is dotted with roads and trails, developed in respect of the natural environment, which visitors are prohibited from leaving. Each path leads to viewpoints more magical than the last. With a bit of luck, you may observe certain species including golden monkeys or takins.

During your walks, you can stop to discover the Zaru Temple, a small Tibetan monastery easily accessible on foot from the entrance. You can also walk through villages, including the Heye Village, all the way to Huohua Lake, one of the first sparkling lakes fed by Shuzheng Waterfalls. Pockets of fertile calcium underwater nurture trees that seem to magically emerge from the water. One trail leads from Mirror Lake, a fabulous body of water, to Panda Lake with magnificent panoramic views.

Outside the park stand several tourist complexes. Three, four, and five-star hotels and restaurants attract increasing numbers of visitors. After dark, folk dance and music performances are offered, delighting visitors who can then relax after a full day of hiking. You can also meet locals and share their stories.

When to Visit?

With an average altitude of 3,000 meters, Jiuzhaigou is influenced by a humid climate typical of high plateaus. The area enjoys relatively mild temperatures but extremely variable weather throughout the year.

Temperatures can drop significantly from day to day or even from place to place. It's therefore recommended to bring warm clothing.

The seasons are nonetheless well-defined, and each offers a different yet equally splendid spectacle.

Autumn is one of the favorite periods to fully enjoy the reserve's colorful landscape. The orange tones of this season create a magical atmosphere and enhance the beauty of the lakes. However, be careful to avoid China's Golden Week holiday period.

In winter, the reserve will be covered with a blanket of snow. The valley is so peaceful during this season that it emanates a completely different ambiance. For those wishing to discover the area beneath its white veil, bring warm clothing.

In spring and summer, the sun is present; don't forget your sunscreen.

Although the site is increasingly touristy, access isn't straightforward. You'll generally need to take a bus journey of more than 10 hours from Chengdu to reach the valley.

From Songpan, buses depart daily to reach Jiuzhaigou.

If you plan to visit the valley between December and April, ensure the roads are open. Snow can make roads impassable.

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

The site is open from 7am to 6pm.

Expect to pay 250 RMB for entrance + 90 RMB for the shuttle bus within the park.

The price may seem relatively high, but the beauty of the landscapes justifies this expense.